This is a two day course designed to give the pelvic floor practitioner an understanding of the impact of gynecological cancers on a woman’s health and quality of life, and an insight into the important role we play as members of the gynecological oncology multidisciplinary healthcare team. Many pelvic rehabilitation practitioners have developed expert skills in evaluation and treatment of pelvic dysfunctions, including musculoskeletal conditions and neurological impairments. Oncology-related dysfunctions create unique challenges including injury to the lymphatic system, anatomical excisions or anastamoses, tissue injury from radiation, and systemic issues from chemotherapy. Pelvic rehabilitation providers will find that the contents of this continuing education course prepare the therapist to approach pelvic floor dysfunction with appropriate skills directed towards oncology-related issues.

The therapist will gain an understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers, and will also appreciate the long term implications of these treatments, especially pelvic floor & lymphatic function, cancer related fatigue and bone density issues. Common female gynecologic cancers including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer will be covered. The therapist will better understand the valuable role that they play as a front-line member of the healthcare team, not only towards primary care of the musculoskeletal system, but also as in terms of prevention, self-care, and referral. The lymphatic system will be discussed and specific interventions will be instructed for the lymphatic system including, but not limited to, genital lymphedema. An evidence-based approach for treating cancer-related fatigue and osteopenia/osteoporosis will be instructed.

Throughout this course, strategies for clinical programs and home programs will be developed, so that conditions such as sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain can be effectively treated by the pelvic rehabilitation therapist. The therapist’s repertoire of clinical reasoning, manual therapies and exercise prescription will be developed, along with an exploration of psycho-oncology, especially as it pertains to female sexual function. This course will incorporate lecture, hands-on lab activities, and case examples.

Audience:

This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Prerequisites: None

Pre-Readings: None